Arlington, June 22: Lionel Messi became the highest scorer in FIFA World Cup history after netting his 17th tournament goal in Argentina’s Group J clash against Austria on Monday.
The Argentine captain broke the long-standing record held by Germany’s Miroslav Klose when he scored in the 38th minute to give the defending champions a 1-0 lead. The goal came shortly after Messi had missed a penalty in the ninth minute.
The strike also marked Messi’s sixth consecutive World Cup match with a goal. He had equalled Klose’s tally of 16 goals with a hat-trick in Argentina’s 3-0 victory over Algeria in their tournament opener.Playing in a record sixth World Cup, Messi made his 28th appearance in the competition, extending another tournament record. The milestone came just two days before his 39th birthday.The achievement was made even more emotional as Messi continues to play while his father, Jorge Messi, undergoes medical treatment back home.
With yet another record to his name, Messi further cemented his status as one of the greatest players in football history.
The latest milestone is another remarkable chapter in Messi’s unparalleled World Cup journey, a career that has spanned two decades and six editions of football’s biggest tournament. Having already guided Argentina to World Cup glory and shattered numerous records along the way, the 38-year-old continues to redefine longevity and excellence at the highest level. As Argentina chase another deep run in the competition, Messi’s record-breaking 17th World Cup goal serves as a reminder of his enduring influence and extraordinary consistency on the global stage. With every appearance, the Argentine icon further strengthens a legacy that may stand unmatched for generations to come. (AP)
